Black Music Month: The 20 greatest songwriters in R&B history

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No. 13 Rick James


His legacy as one of the music’s greatest party animals sometimes overshadows the genius of the funk guru from Buffalo. James was a composing/production wizard, penning his own hits like “Mary Jane” and “Superfreak,” as well mentoring acts like Teena Marie & the Mary Jane Girls.


Notable songs: “Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before)” (Teena Marie), “Standing At the Top” (The Temptations), “All Nite Long” (Mary Jane Girls)

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